*The ghouls are preparing for the most frightful night of the year...*

"Where do you want the grim reaper?"

"Out next to the tree along the fence would be good."

![castle-862700_1280.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmVxgcm7ja3k7EY6vvkQw1haaLnquxjXw5EgmqMLqYobCM/castle-862700_1280.jpg)

"Dude, this is going to be the best haunted house, ever!"

"Right? I can't believe all the stuff we've got. We're going to scare everyone this year."

"That's pretty genius putting fake cherry Jell-o in a *baggie* so they think it's a dead heart."

"And I think that train *engine sound* is a masterstroke! Especially the horn."

"Yeah, and what about the *no trespassing* signs out front? That's sure to scare people!"

"You mean, scare people off. Because it's lame."

"Hey, Lucretia. What's got you in such *ill humor* during the best season of the year?"

"What else. Life. The System."

"Oh, that's right. I forgot you're an 'activist' now. Hey, Bernard, where should I put this Sasquatch *footprint*?"

"How about over next to the giant *spider web*."

"Awesome! That'll really freak 'em out!"

"So, if you're so down, why are you here? Why aren't you out there trying to stir up awareness about your cause?"

"There's been *several sightings* of a roving lynch mob with torches, pitchforks and *dog whistles* in the area. I'm trying to lay low."

 "Wow. It's tough being a werewolf in this day and age."

"Exactly! They keep talking about *civil rights*, like they don't have them. What about my civil rights? Getting shot with a silver bullet for just existing. We need to take it to the Man!"

"I don't know. This might not be the best time of year to go stirring up trouble. Folks are already on edge as it is."

"Maybe you're right. I guess I could tone it down a bit for a while. It's not like the need for awareness is going to go away. And maybe that lynch mob will calm down."

"You wanna help set up? We'd love to have you."

"That's okay."

"What are you going to do then?"

"Probably go back home to my family, listen to some *baby talk* before I put my youngest to bed."

"That sounds exciting. Sure you don't want to stick around?"

"I'm good. I ride a *dirt bike*, remember? That's more than enough excitement for tonight. Plus, I can put on my pajamas, eat ice cream and watch the *Law and Order* marathon on TBS."

"Okay, well, be careful out there. The night isn't as safe as it used to be."

"I hear that. Laters."

"What about this giant clown head?"

"Let's put that up in the belfry."

"Cool! Nothing says crazy like a clown head in the belfry."

*This post is published in conjunction with the daily five minute freewrite hosted by @mariannewest. Throughout the story, 12 different word or phrase prompts can be found in italics.*